Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
Security in Space The Next Generation - UNIDIR
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such weapons, if deployed <strong>in</strong> outer space, would have a global reach, high<br />
read<strong>in</strong>ess and capability for engagement not only with other space objects<br />
to render them <strong>in</strong>operative, but also with critical <strong>in</strong>frastructure on Earth.<br />
Such weapons would be fi t for real use, generate suspicions and tension<br />
among states and frustrate the climate of mutual trust and cooperation <strong>in</strong><br />
space exploration, rather than serve as a means of conta<strong>in</strong>ment. This, <strong>in</strong> fact,<br />
will equate their military utility to that of weapons of mass destruction.<br />
Besides, deployment of weapons <strong>in</strong> outer space by one state will <strong>in</strong>evitably<br />
result <strong>in</strong> a cha<strong>in</strong> reaction. And this, <strong>in</strong> turn, is fraught with a new spiral <strong>in</strong> an<br />
arms race both <strong>in</strong> outer space and on the Earth.<br />
<strong>The</strong> objective of the draft PPWT is to prohibit the placement of weapons<br />
of any k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>in</strong> outer space, and the use or threat of force aga<strong>in</strong>st space<br />
objects. <strong>The</strong> treaty is to elim<strong>in</strong>ate exist<strong>in</strong>g gaps <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational space law,<br />
create conditions for further exploration and use of outer space, preserve<br />
costly outer space property and strengthen <strong>in</strong>ternational security and arms<br />
control regimes.<br />
So, why do we need a PPWT?<br />
First, because without such a treaty it would be diffi cult to predict the<br />
development of the strategic situation <strong>in</strong> outer space and on Earth due to<br />
the global operat<strong>in</strong>g range of space weapons. It would be impossible to<br />
claim that space weapons were “not targeted” at a given nation. Moreover,<br />
space weapons will enable actors to discreetly tamper with outer space<br />
objects and disable them.<br />
Second, because the <strong>in</strong>ternational situation would be seriously destabilized<br />
due to a possibility of unexpected, sudden use of space weapons. This alone<br />
could provoke pre-emptive acts aga<strong>in</strong>st space weapons and, consequently,<br />
the spiral of an arms race.<br />
Third, because space weapons, unlike weapons of mass destruction, may<br />
be applied selectively and discrim<strong>in</strong>ately, they could become real-use<br />
weapons.<br />
Fourth, because the placement of weapons <strong>in</strong> outer space would arouse<br />
suspicions and tensions <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>ternational relations and destroy the current